Subaru sales slow this year
Motor Image, the official distributor for Subaru, expects the market to shrink this year as luxury-car buyers hold back due to instability.
"Although customers have buying power, many are holding back. Buying a luxury car is not a necessity and customers would prefer keeping the cash for injection into their businesses when needed. So it will take some time before customers return," group CEO Glenn Tan said yesterday. Subaru expects sales of 100 cars in Thailand this year, of which 30-40 are expected to be made at the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo. The Impreza will account for the bulk. "The Thai economy is very strong. By next year, buying is likely to increase. The launch of our new showroom will ensure a sales boost. It will have a proper test track so that customers can drive our cars before they choose to buy," said Tan.Subaru officials expect sales in Thailand to reach 300-400 next year, even tough Tan believes the total market will shrink 2-3 per cent because of political instability, flooding and oil prices. Vijo Varghese, The Nation
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